Fully Restore Missing Teeth
A dental implant is an option for tooth replacement that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are made up of a titanium implant post, an abutment, and a custom crown. Together, these parts fully replicate the function and appearance of a natural tooth.Dr. Hudson is a board-certified oral surgeon and physician who specializes in placing implants and restoring smiles. If you are in Huntsville or are looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth, contact Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule an appointment.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Permanent.
The implant post fuses to the jaw bone, creating a solid foundation as a permanent addition to your smile.
Healthy.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevents jaw bone atrophy by stimulating the bone during chewing.
Versatility.
You can receive a single dental implant, multiple implants, or even a completely new smile that uses several implant posts to support a fixed denture.
Convenience.
Your dental implant remains in your mouth during eating and brushing, unlike removable dentures, and you care for it just like a natural tooth with regular brushing and flossing.
Confidence.
Your smile is as unique as you are, and you should be proud to show it off! With a complete dental arch, you can feel confident in your smile again.
Why Restore a Missing Tooth?
Your teeth’s roots are embedded into your jaw bone and provide stimulation when chewing. When a tooth is missing, the bone does not receive the stimulation it needs to stay healthy, causing it to deteriorate over time. Jaw bone loss can cause facial features to sag and can lead to more costly and complex bone repair surgery in the future. Additionally, adjacent teeth can shift into the empty spot.
Leaving a missing tooth untreated puts your oral health at risk. Regain your smile and protect your health by choosing dental implants to replace missing or failing teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Dr. Hudson will determine the right type of implant for your restoration needs. Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants offers many different dental implant treatments, including:
- Single Tooth Replacement. One implant replaces one missing tooth. This can be done as often as needed throughout your mouth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge. When you receive a traditional bridge, your healthy teeth must be grinded down to fit it. Instead, using dental implants to support the bridge protects your other teeth while cosmetically restoring the empty space.
- Immediate Implants. Dr. Hudson can place an implant post into the tooth socket on the same day a tooth is extracted, provided you have enough jaw bone to support it. This reduces the number of appointments needed to restore the missing tooth.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dr. Hudson will perform an oral examination during your first visit, and we will likely take 3D scans of your mouth. These detailed digital images help us plan exactly where the implant will go and helps to avoid facial nerves. During the consultation, we will also discuss your options for anesthesia. Many patients experience little to no discomfort with local anesthesia, which only numbs the surgical site, but we offer other options to keep patients comfortable.
During surgery, Dr. Hudson will make a small incision in the gum tissue and place the implant post, then dissolvable sutures as necessary. The post will fuse to the jaw bone over the next several months, and during your recovery, Dr. Hudson will place the connecting abutment. You may be given a temporary crown to wear. Once fully healed, your restorative dentist will place the final, custom-made crown. Your crown is designed specifically for you and will match the shape and color of your other teeth.
Dental Implant Cost and Value
The cost of receiving a dental implant depends on how many you need, your choice of anesthesia, your insurance, and if you require additional procedures. Patients with inadequate jaw bone may receive a bone graft to regrow bone in that area. We will discuss all of these factors with you and provide a cost estimate during the consultation.
Often, patients with removable dentures find them to be embarrassing. Dentures must be replaced every few years and removed to eat and clean. Bridges or dentures do not protect the jaw bone, which increases the risk of bone atrophy. Dental implants, on the other hand, have a high success rate and remain in the mouth at all times. Patients care for dental implants just like other teeth, unlike dentures which require special rinses. With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants will not need to be replaced and can last a lifetime.
Types of Anesthesia
Your comfort is important to us. We proudly offer several options for anesthesia and sedation.
Hear From Dental Implant Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing dental implant treatment at our office.
Reviews From Our Dental Implant Patients
"Hey, I’m Harriet from Hunstivlle and I came to see Dr. Hudson for some dental implants. I came to Dr. Hudson because several of my friends had had implants already and they highly recommended him, and it was a wonderful experience. He’s all of what they said. He was very knowledgeable. He explained everything to a T, which made me feel a lot more at ease about getting the procedure done. Every time I came here, everybody was very attentive to me and made me feel right at home. My experience at Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants has been a great one, and I would highly recommend them to everyone."
"Hi, I’m Jeff. I’m from Huntsville and I came to Dr. Hudson for a dental implant. Dr. Hudson is one of the best in dental implants in the city of Huntsville—absolutely marvelous, very friendly, always welcoming with a big smile. The dental implant feels like it’s totally natural and, matter of fact, stronger than the original—which it is. It gives me the feeling that I can go ahead and maintain my life. It’s very, very solid and a great piece of art. I had a great experience here and I highly recommend Dr. Hudson."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is not suitable for dental implants?
Patients with suppressed immune systems, cancer, or severe bone loss may not be candidates for dental implants. To see if you qualify, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hudson for an evaluation.
Do dental implants hurt?
We make every effort to keep patients as comfortable as possible during treatment. The surgery itself is performed with a form of anesthesia or sedation, and our instructions outline how to minimize discomfort throughout the healing process. Most post-surgical pain can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications.
Do dental implants feel real?
Yes, dental implants look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. The implant post is designed to replicate a tooth’s root, both in appearance and functionality. A dental implant does not feel or look any different than natural teeth.
Improve Your Oral Health Today
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